Curriculum

At Great Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary School we aim to provide a rich, vibrant curriculum which inspires all our pupils and maximises attainment. Our school ethos is centred around the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ and the philosophy that “at the heart of the education process lies the child”. Our provision is child centred, creative and innovative, fostering curiosity and a love of learning. As a school we look to the future and aim to prepare our children to be resilient, reflective learners able to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. We strive to create future leaders and global citizens who are equipped with a broad knowledge base, critical thinking skills, respect for others, self-belief, empathy and integrity.

In order to achieve this we have created a dynamic and innovative, globally thematic, skills based curriculum which meets our statutory obligations and engages and excites our learners. The curriculum has been designed to develop basic skills in the core subjects, stimulate interest in the world in which we live and develop the essential skills for lifelong learning. Our curriculum builds on the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is centered around four key drivers:

The curriculum drivers are areas that all stakeholders involved with the school value; they give focus to learning opportunities and are embedded throughout teaching and learning, developing the child as a whole. Working with the pupils, staff and school community we have created a four year rolling programme which consists of twelve inspirational, broad, overarching themes which are relevant and maximise opportunities for depth of learning. Each unit of work is built around a ‘Big Idea’ which is created to enthuse the children and provide a meaningful context for their learning. There will also be a linked ‘Big Event’ which will provide ‘hands on’ experience and an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the theme. As pupils progress along their learning journey they will focus on key texts which will help to fully immerse them in their learning. We encourage parental participation and integrate publication and celebration of learning into our topic outcomes.

We feel passionately that it is important for our children to grow up knowing about the world in which they live and developing an understanding of their responsibilities as global citizens. Therefore each year group also has a global partner country which they will learn about in depth and a partner school which they will communicate with. Our curriculum provides our pupils with opportunities through each theme to examine a range of global issues relevant to their lives in the real world.

Our approach to the curriculum is closely linked to our teaching and learning pedagogy (see Teaching & Learning Policy). We place emphasis on the voice of the child and the contributions of the community in which our children live; thus promoting the development of a spiritually, vibrant learning community, to which all members contribute, within which all feel appreciated and valued, and through which all are empowered to excel.